Hua Hum Day Trip from San Martín de los Andes — Lanín National Park & Chachín Waterfall

San Martín de los Andes•easy

Difficulty

easy

Duration

5 hours

Fitness Level

Suitable for most fitness levels; hikers should be comfortable walking short, uneven trails for 30–60 minutes.

Overview

Drive west from San Martín de los Andes into Lanín National Park for a five-hour loop that mixes Patagonian plains, a short forest hike and a 65-foot waterfall. Expect easy walking, big lake views and Mapuche cultural notes along the way.

Hua Hum Day Trip from San Martín de los Andes — Lanín National Park & Chachín Waterfall

Bus Tour

Other

Wildlife

Hiking

Select participants and date

Date

Thu, Oct 30

Travelers

The minivan peels away from San Martín de los Andes and the town's pastel houses thin into open sky. Within minutes the road opens onto the Pampa de Trompul: a wind-sculpted plain where grass lies flat and stone outcrops punctuate the horizon. Here the landscape speaks in simple, blunt lines — Cerro Colorado and the extinct shoulders of Savannah Mountain watch in the distance — while the guide points out Piedra de Trompul, a rock the Mapuche long read as a weather oracle.

Adventure Photos

Hua Hum Day Trip from San Martín de los Andes — Lanín National Park & Chachín Waterfall photo 1

Adventure Tips

Wear grippy shoes

The 30-minute trail to Chachín has mud and exposed roots—sturdy hiking shoes with good tread make the short climb far more comfortable.

Bring at least 1L of water

There are no services on the trail; a reusable bottle keeps you hydrated during the hikes and lakeside stops.

Carry ID for the border stop

You won’t be crossing into Chile, but having your passport or ID is useful for photos near the historic border buildings and for any logistical checks.

Time your photos

Morning or late-afternoon light flatters the lakes and the forest; mid-day is harsher but fine for waterfall shots when exposure is adjusted.

Local Insights

Wildlife

Andean fox (culpeo)
Huemul deer (rare; keep distance)

History

This corridor sits on traditional Mapuche lands; many place names and local stories reference indigenous use and weather lore tied to geological features.

Conservation

Lanín National Park protects old-growth Patagonian forest and sensitive wildlife—practice leave-no-trace, stick to trails and avoid disturbing riverbanks and historic structures.